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This is a drawing of a complex allegorical scene. The image is crowded with numerous figures and symbolic elements. At the top left, there is a celestial figure amongst clouds within a semi-circular frame. Below, figures are engaged in various activities, surrounded by elements such as an angel, animals, and circular medallions and structures. The figures display a range of expressions and poses. The scene is balanced by architectural elements and depictions of nature including trees and flowing water.
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This is a drawing of a complex allegorical scene. The image is crowded with numerous figures and symbolic elements. At the top left, there is a celestial figure amongst clouds within a semi-circular frame. Below, figures are engaged in various activities, surrounded by elements such as an angel, animals, and circular medallions and structures. The figures display a range of expressions and poses. The scene is balanced by architectural elements and depictions of nature including trees and flowing water.

National Gallery of Art · Print

An Allegory in Honor of Innocent X

Pietro Testa

Date
1644
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 40.2 x 50.5 cm (15 13/16 x 19 7/8 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1991.83.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • etching
  • allegory
Inscription

within plate image, lower left in plate: Si Stampano alla Pace per Gio:Domenico Rofsi / in Roma; lower right in plate: Dno Stephano Garbefi Nobili Vero optime de fe merito / Petr us Tefta beneficiorum non immemor DD; center verso in brown ink: Testa 42 n

NGA object ID 72865. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.